Vol. 502 No. 6
49 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, he has to bring together Irish ambassadors and State agencies in 1999 to discuss ways in which Irish Embassies can improve their services to business in view of his announcement at the Franco-Irish Chamber of Commerce in Paris on 19 February 1999. [8865/99]
I have always emphasised that the promotion of exports and inward investment is a major obligation for Irelands network of diplomatic missions. It forms an important part of the national interests and concerns abroad which embassies are charged with protecting and promoting. Because ambassadors enjoy privileged access to government decision makers and senior business managers, they can be of invaluable assistance to individual companies and state agencies in terms of providing contacts and removing obstacles to business.
For this reason, I have taken the initiative to hold a seminar in Dublin in early September for ambassadors and other diplomatic staff to explore these issues. I would like to include on that occasion some people from the private sector, who are the customers for the service provided by the embassies and who would be able to make a valuable input.
Co-operation between embassies and consulates and the overseas representatives of the state agencies plays a fundamental part in Ireland's approach to trade and investment promotion. If co-operation of this kind is to work smoothly, there needs to be an understanding of the different roles of the various state agencies and of the embassy itself. I will be consulting with my ministerial colleagues to ensure that the relevant state agencies are invited to participate in the seminar.
